James Hunt was made to wait three years to avenge his defeat at the inaugural Healthspan Porthcawl 10K, but he claimed the 2022 title with a commanding victory on home soil.

The Bridgend native and Welsh Cross Country champion, who trains at the seaside resort, claimed a gun-to-tape victory as the event returned for its second instalment after a 1092-day hiatus due to the pandemic.

The route took runners along a coastal tour of Rest Bay, Trecco Bay and Coney Bay before the participants raced through the town centre and past the Lighthouse before a return to the Esplanade for a sprint finish.

The 4,000 entrants enjoyed overcast conditions ideal for fast times. Hunt led from the off and passed the 5K mark in 15:07 ahead of Cardiff AAC club mates Mike Ward and Matt Edwards.

There was no stopping Hunt on his home turf as he added the Healthspan Porthcawl 10K title to his Welsh Cross Country victory earlier this year. The 2022 champion crossed the finish line in 30:35, almost a minute clear of Ward (31:24) and Edwards (31:36).

“I’m happy to get the win, I know the course really well because I train down here most mornings,” Hunt said. “The crowd spurred me on and I just pushed away. It means so much, seeing everyone I know here and hearing the cheers is brilliant, it’s definitely my favourite race of the year.

“It was good, when you had the wind behind you it was great but then it got tough when it was in your face on the way back in. I love that course, it’s absolutely brilliant, it’s definitely fast, I’m just not at my top fitness at the moment. It feels like ages since I came second in 2019 and I’m thrilled to win it.”

It was a similar story in the women’s race as Jordan Matthews made her journey across the Severn Bridge worthwhile with a commanding victory and personal best to boot on her official debut over the distance.

The Western Tempo athlete was joined at the front of the race by Lauren Cooper of Parc Bryn Bach RC as the pair raced through 5K in 17:34. Cooper stuck with Matthews until the closing stages, but the eventual champion surged clear to take the tape in 35:37, 10 seconds clear of her rival. Pontypridd Roadents runner Chloe Dooley finished third in 39:39.

“I found it tough out there with the wind in one direction and some of the hills but the downhill finish with the wind at my back was lovely, it was good fun and the support was great,” Matthews said.

“It was a personal best as well which I’m really chuffed about. I changed my plans to run this race, I was meant to be taking part in a triathlon but I’m glad I changed my plans. The event was fantastic and the support around the course was fantastic.”

Men’s race results

1. James Hunt (Cardiff AAC) – 30:35
2. Mike Ward (Cardiff AAC) – 31:24
3. Matt Edwards (Cardiff AAC) – 31:36
4. Jacob Tasker (Ogmore Phoenix Runners) – 32:17
5. Aled Jenkins – 33:14

Women’s race results

1. Jordan Matthews (Western Tempo) – 35:37
2. Lauren Cooper (Parc Bryn Bach RC) – 35:46
3. Chloe Dooley (Pontypridd Roadents) – 36:39
4. Beth Jones – 40:00
5. Georgina Dando (Bridgend AC) – 41:11